Plante is the head coach of the United States Under-18 team this year after winning a silver medal with that squad a year ago as an assistant. He says coaching in an international tournament like this one is always a thrill.

"I just think the competition is so great. It's a great chance to coach for the USA," Plante said. "That opportunity to be involved with USA Hockey and have a chance to win a medal at a high-profile event is a lot of fun."

The 2014 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament is scheduled to run Aug. 11-16 in Breclav, Czech Republic, and Piestany, Slovakia.